WA modern deer opener (blacktail)

[ljsommer]

As a new hunter I remember hearing things such as "X% of deer that are taken all season are taken on opening day of modern deer" but I have no hard data to back that up. I already have a variety of days picked out that I am prioritizing for modern season, but I was curious if I should add the opener of early modern to my list. It's solidly pre-rut and the weather/foliage will be really beautiful (I love fall weather rain or shine) but the leaves will not have started to drop yet I don't think which will limit visibility.

Anyone have any input on how good early modern opener is for blacktail? For the record I'll almost definitely go out anyway, I am just trying to plan a weekend trip to see family in Colorado so I am planning around that.

[slowhand]

TAG

[lewy]

I personally would rather hunt the last three days of regular season over the first couple weeks of regular season

[opdinkslayer]

 

[ljsommer]

I personally would rather hunt the last three days of regular season over the first couple weeks of regular season

Oh trust me I definitely will be! I was also just curious if this was a date anyone got excited about (aside from just having an opportunity to get out into some gorgeous woods).

[gee_unit360]

I personally would rather hunt the last three days of regular season over the first couple weeks of regular season

Why’s that?

[Rainier10]

Opening morning is when a ton of deer get shot.  With the extended season the last couple of years I think many have done well on the last couple of days as well.

[ljsommer]

I personally would rather hunt the last three days of regular season over the first couple weeks of regular season

Why’s that?

I can't infer what he intended with his comment but the late general season for blacktail is pretty squarely in rut territory, the weather will be cooperative (colder) and there will be less leaves on the tree for increased visibility.

[Rainstorm Hunter]

Over the years I’ve had opportunities to harvest mature Blacktail bucks on every weekend of hunting season. Traditionally, I’ve had quite a few chances at good bucks opening weekend before they get pressured. The second weekend of early deer is usually the slowest in my area. However, last year I harvested a rut crazed buck on the second weekend of rifle. Get out while you can! And enjoy the season!


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[Jimmer]

There is not a bigger rush than a monster mature 2 point black tail!!
Good luck

[Griiz]

Use your days at the end of the general season. Big bucks are usually starting to cruise then.

[Turner89]

I take the last week of October off every year, but hunt every day I can of the season.
 It gets real that last week.

[ljsommer]

I take the last week of October off every year, but hunt every day I can of the season.
 It gets real that last week.

I am going to be hunting every day from 11/14 - 11/17 (taking time off work) but also I am going to try to get out every chance I can in October as well (including season opener) mostly just to enjoy nature in one of the most beautiful times of the year in Washington. If I see a buck that's just a bonus.

[TriggerMike]

More bucks are killed opening day because more hunters are in the field opening day... It's that simple. I would bet almost anything that a higher PERCENTAGE of hunters in the field on the last day (Halloween) are successful compared to opening day. And if I had to choose which days to hunt blacktail in the general season I would hunt the last 5 days over the first 5 days every single time without question. But, if you can hunt in November then that's truly the best time. First 3 weeks with every week after the 1st being a little less likely to be successful, but still great hunting.

[TriggerMike]

I take the last week of October off every year, but hunt every day I can of the season.
 It gets real that last week.

I am going to be hunting every day from 11/14 - 11/17 (taking time off work) but also I am going to try to get out every chance I can in October as well (including season opener) mostly just to enjoy nature in one of the most beautiful times of the year in Washington. If I see a buck that's just a bonus.

Good plan. Spend every free hour in the field that you can allocate. Time in the field=success for blacktail. Just gotta get out every chance you can, for some reason this seems most important for blacktail than any other species.

[JakeLand]

I take the last week of October off every year, but hunt every day I can of the season.
 It gets real that last week.

YEP !!!!

[fishnfur]

This is year nine of BT hunting for me.  I've gone 0 for 9 for seeing bucks on the opener.  If you've got a multi-season tag, it is an easy day to skip.  Lots of idiots in the woods and road hunters out trolling can be heard from every ridgeline.  Come ten O'clock in the morning, the boys are getting bored and start popping off their magazines at whatever target seems appropriate.  It can be a real circus on public land. From my perspective, the opener is usually a letdown. but it's great to get back in the woods if that is your first legal day to hunt. 

On the other hand, the opener of my first year hunting, just moments after first light and extending on for the first hour, I must have heard nearly a hundred legitimate shots ring out in the hills.  Sounded like an endless firing squad.  I bet a lot of deer went down that morning.  If you know a great spot, then be out there.  If not, then the others have already told you the answer.  The best eight days of Modern are the last four of the General Season and the four days of the Late Season.

[slowhand]

I think about opening day just a bit different. I find an open spot I can see well and sit down and wait. I figure that the Deer pressure is at it highest and they are running for their lives. So You can let the deer come to You because they are on the run. Depending on where You hunt.
I have not been successful opening day with modern but have had Elk and Deer run right in front of Me close enough to touch. Always on the run with little caution. Note that opening day with Bow is the best be far, They don't really know it's hunting season yet. I have bagged many Deer with bow opening day.

[scrapperdude]

If you are hunting where I go I would definitely skip most weekends, just stay home with the family and enjoy your time together

[knighttime25]

Plan on taking the last few days of the season off from work for sure, Halloween has been a productive day in past years for our family 

[elksnout]

I haven't went out for the opener for years. Not the type of environment I prefer. The four day late buck hunt isn't much better. As others have stated, my efforts usually are for the last week of October.

Elksnout

[fishngamereaper]

Not to excited about the opener. The moon phase won't help, alot of movement at night this week. 

[Turner89]

I'll be out every day I can be. 

[WSU]

I saw a big two point out cruising today at the crack of 8:30.  Pretty early to see bucks in the daylight out in the wide open.